THE sport sedan
Rarity
Audi just created a masterpiece in the face of its German rivals. On Audi's side, not all cars bear the 'RS' designation. They must basically feature all
the best qualities for the engineers of the Quattro GmbH group, the equivalent of AMG for Mercedes and M for BMW, to spend time on.
The Audi A4 showed all the basic qualities that the engineers could still improve upon, and create a sport sedan in a class of its own. Everything was touched up: engine, chassis, suspension, brakes and transmission. Tweaked and produced in Audi's headquarters, the A4 and S4 are then sent to the specialists who change them into RS 4 sedans, after tearing them apart and rebuilding them.
Brief history
Audi produced their first RS models in 1994: the front-drive RS2 with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Then came the RS 4 with a 380-hp
twin-turbo V6 in 2000 and 2001, and a RS 6 from 2002 to 2004, powered by a 450-hp twin-turbo V8.
Technological showcase
By creating the RS, Audi seeks to show off its sport and performance brilliance, and obviously uses the technological development acquired with their racing success. Audi's successive victories at the 24 hours of Le Mans and other endurance races truly prove the German firm's engineering quality.
Widened track
We easily notice the stance of the RS by looking at the rear tires. We immediately see that Quattro GmbH widened the front and rear track,
allowing a better reach of the magnificent 19-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires.
In addition, the suspension was lowered by 30 millimeters. A dynamic ride control is added to better-calibrated shocks that reduce pitch and body roll by diagonally interconnecting the shocks with a central valve. Both front wheels are guided by four transversal aluminum arms. What's more, Quattro GmbH meticulously adapted the latest-generation electronic stability program (ESP) to the specific characteristics of this high-performance sport sedan.
Modified body
Other than the RS 4 and V8 badges, the car remains an A4 in appearance. But when we pay close attention, though, we notice a series of changes
associated with the sporty stature of the beast. The lower portion of the front features air vents to allow the engine to breathe better and cool the brakes.
In back, a spoiler is discreetly integrated to the trunk.
The designers also revised the rear doors to accommodate the larger wheel arches.
Nothing cosmetics, all for performance; so, the mirrors are streamlined. The weight of the car had to be reduced: even the door handles are lighter. The hood and front fenders are made of aluminum. The RS 4 sports a power-to-weight ratio of 3.93 kg per horsepower.
Rarity
Audi just created a masterpiece in the face of its German rivals. On Audi's side, not all cars bear the 'RS' designation. They must basically feature all
 |
| 2007 Audi RS 4 (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
The Audi A4 showed all the basic qualities that the engineers could still improve upon, and create a sport sedan in a class of its own. Everything was touched up: engine, chassis, suspension, brakes and transmission. Tweaked and produced in Audi's headquarters, the A4 and S4 are then sent to the specialists who change them into RS 4 sedans, after tearing them apart and rebuilding them.
Brief history
Audi produced their first RS models in 1994: the front-drive RS2 with a turbocharged 5-cylinder engine. Then came the RS 4 with a 380-hp
 |
| 2007 Audi RS 4 (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
Technological showcase
By creating the RS, Audi seeks to show off its sport and performance brilliance, and obviously uses the technological development acquired with their racing success. Audi's successive victories at the 24 hours of Le Mans and other endurance races truly prove the German firm's engineering quality.
Widened track
We easily notice the stance of the RS by looking at the rear tires. We immediately see that Quattro GmbH widened the front and rear track,
 |
| 2007 Audi RS 4 (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
In addition, the suspension was lowered by 30 millimeters. A dynamic ride control is added to better-calibrated shocks that reduce pitch and body roll by diagonally interconnecting the shocks with a central valve. Both front wheels are guided by four transversal aluminum arms. What's more, Quattro GmbH meticulously adapted the latest-generation electronic stability program (ESP) to the specific characteristics of this high-performance sport sedan.
Modified body
Other than the RS 4 and V8 badges, the car remains an A4 in appearance. But when we pay close attention, though, we notice a series of changes
 |
| 2007 Audi RS 4 (Photo: Amyot Bachand) |
In back, a spoiler is discreetly integrated to the trunk.
The designers also revised the rear doors to accommodate the larger wheel arches.
Nothing cosmetics, all for performance; so, the mirrors are streamlined. The weight of the car had to be reduced: even the door handles are lighter. The hood and front fenders are made of aluminum. The RS 4 sports a power-to-weight ratio of 3.93 kg per horsepower.